Chivas USA (4-12-5, 17 pts.) enters this weekend’s match eighth in the Western Conference. They are coming off a 1-2-2 showing in July with the lone win coming against Toronto FC 1-0 on July 17. Twenty-year-old striker Erick Torres has been the sparkplug of late with goals in both of his two games since joining Chivas USA on loan from its Mexican League affiliate, Chivas de Guadelajara, on July 10. The squad also recently bolstered its defensive unit with the addition of United States Men’s National Team defender Carlos Bocanegra. The former USMNT captain has started each of the last two games for Chivas USA after joining their side on July 13. While Torres is tied for the team lead in goals with Tristan Bowen and Eric Avila, forward Jorge Villafana leads the way in assists with four.

Miscellaneous Notes

Earthquakes-Sporting KC Match on Aug. 18 Moved to 7 p.m. PT

The Earthquakes have moved kickoff for their home match against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, Aug. 18 to 7 p.m. PT, one hour earlier than previously scheduled. The match will air nationally on Univision Deportes Network. Tickets already printed and distributed for the match will still be valid, but holders should note the time change.

New Faces in Town

United State Men’s National Team center back Clarence Goodson and Salvadoran winger Jaime Alas arrived in San Jose this week. The duo made their training debuts on Thursday during the Earthquakes’ two-hour session at Buck Shaw Stadium. Goodson missed the last month after signing with the club on June 28 due to his participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Wondolowski Returns from USMNT, All-Star Appearances

Chris Wondolowski is back in town after missing the last month due to United States Men’s National Team duty as well as his participation in the 2013 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. The club’s leading scorer played 45 minutes in a 3-1 loss against AS Roma at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kans. for the All-Star Game.

Trio of Earthquakes Players on United States’ CONCACAF Gold Cup Championship Team

The United States won the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 result against Panama on Sunday at Chicago’s Soldier Field. A trio of Earthquakes players were on the Americans’ roster, including: Chris Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson and Alan Gordon. Wondolowski took home the tournament’s Golden Boot after leading the field with five goals. Goodson was a regular in the lineup, playing 90 minutes for five of the United States’ six games. The last time the Americans won the tournament was 2007. San Jose’s trio will return to training with the Earthquakes on Thursday, Aug. 1.

CONCACAF Champions League Schedule Unveiled

The Earthquakes will play four CONCACAF Champions League matches in group play after qualifying for the tournament by virtue of their Supporters’ Shield win in 2012. The schedule is as follows:

NOTE: The Earthquakes’ match against Montreal on Tuesday, Sept. 17 will be Bonus Game B for the club’s season ticket holders. Season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for that match during an exclusive window starting on Monday, July 8 at 10 a.m. PT. The public on-sale date is Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket details for the club’s second CONCACAF Champions League home game will be announced at a later date.

Epicenter

This week’s Epicenter will include a 40-foot interactive airstream trailer, presented by the Monterey Bay Aquarium for fans to tour and learn about sea life.
Alaska Airlines, Off the Wall Soccer, State Farm, KRTY, KYLD and KZSF will all have booths and activities for fans to enjoy prior to the kick-off.

Community

The Earthquakes will be holding their second annual 5K/10K Challenge presented by Stanford Hospital & Clinics on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 8 a.m. Participants can register at QuakesChallenge.com.

Social Media

@SJEarthquakes – Official account of the San Jose Earthquakes (#SJEarthquakes)@QuakesMatchday – Follow for live updates on game days
MLS MatchDay 2013 – The official Major League Soccer app, providing up-to-the-minute score updates, in game highlights, news and more.